Turbo coolant lines (NZ)
 

Hi all,

I'm very new to the rotary engine so lots to learn. I've just bought an '93 FD RX7 (JDM). Since it's imported I wasn't able to get it tested and as luck would have it, it has a coolant leak. I've had the system pressure tested and it appears the leak is coming from the turbo cooling lines. Due to all the hoses etc in the way, the mechanic who did the testing was not able to completely figure out where it was coming from, but it appears it's likely to be of the two turbo coolant hoses as mentioned in the Robinette guide. I figure while I'm there I'll replace both of them, but the lower one seems impossible to get at.

A few questions:

Doing a search it was suggested a pair of needle nosed pliers with a bend in them was the way to go. I've got a pair of these, but still can't seem to get a grip on the hose clamp. Does anyone have any tips on how to access this clamp?

I've also considered a set of flexible hose clamp pliers. Has anyone used these and were they successful?

Finally, are there any other places to check for coolant leaks while I'm checking things out that don't require removal of the turbos?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Depending on whats been removed, I would say with the DP and primary intake piping removed you should easily be able to access both the upper and lower coolant hoses.

Thanks. I'll pull some more piping off and see how it goes. Will update this weekend when I get a chance to keep working on the car.

I got the hose off. Am in the process of ordering a replacement. For anyone who has any trouble, I had to remove the clip from the front/top of the hose first to get to the clip on the back... Bent the hose straight and it wasn't too much of a hassle. I got too focused/worried about reaching the one in the back first.

A little late to the thread. But I put just a little film of dish soap on the new hose and it helps getting it back on around the hard lines.
These hoses are probably the most trouble prone because they're exposed to so much heat. Bloating is usually a sign they're on the way out even if they're not leaking yet.

Thanks for the reply. Soapy water worked a treat. Unfortunately, I'm one of the 1% its not the hose, replaced it and its still leaking. Looks like the turbos are coming off!